Local zoning · Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County — Landscaping and Screening

Landscaping and Screening under the Santa Clara County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

In unincorporated areas, landscaping and screening rules live across the County’s Zoning Ordinance and companion planning regulations. The most-used standards regulate fences and hedges in residential and rural districts, landscaped yard requirements and outdoor-storage screening in industrial districts, and required screening for site features like trash enclosures and certain special uses. Many projects that change site appearance may also trigger design review or architecture and site approval, where landscaping quality and maintenance are formal findings.

The most common limit: in unincorporated urban residential districts, fences or hedges within 20 feet of the front lot line are capped at 3 feet in height; elsewhere on the lot, fences are capped at 8 feet, with corner-lot sight-clearance exceptions and limited flexibility through design review (§ 4.20.050(A)).

Core countywide standards that affect landscaping and screening

Fences and hedges in residential and rural districts: see § 4.20.050 for height/location limits and carveouts; some fence proposals can be modified via architecture and site approval or design review (§§ 4.20.050(A)(4)–(6), (B)(4)–(6); Ch. 5.40; Ch. 5.50).
Industrial landscaping and storage screening: ML and MH districts require landscaped planting strips in required yards and solid screening for outdoor storage (§ 2.40.040(A)–(B)).
Refuse/trash enclosures: multi-family and nonresidential developments must locate and screen trash enclosures with specific wall heights and visibility rules (§ 4.20.100).
Emergency shelters: outdoor common areas must be screened by a minimum 6-foot solid fence or wall; refuse areas must be enclosed with at least 5-foot masonry or concrete walls (§ 4.10.115(E)(3), (G)).
Design review triggers and scope: development in “-d” and “-sr” combining districts, near scenic roads, or when required by condition is subject to design review; the scope expressly includes vegetation removal and landscaping (§§ 5.50.020, 5.50.040).
Architecture and Site Approval (ASA): approvals must find that landscaping appearance and maintenance won’t be detrimental to the area (§ 5.40.040(C)).

District-by-district landscaping and screening rules (unincorporated areas)

Urban Residential Districts — R1, R1E, R2, R1S, RHS, and A1 within urban service areas

What counts most: front-yard fence/hedge height and corner-lot visibility.
Key standards
- The front 20 ft: fences or hedges ≤ 3 ft in height (§ 4.20.050(A)(1)).
- Elsewhere on the lot: fences ≤ 8 ft; no height cap for hedges except in the front 20 ft (§ 4.20.050(A)(2)).
- Corners/sight triangles: stricter 3 ft caps apply within designated clearance triangles (§ 4.20.050(A)(3); County sight clearance § B17-69 referenced).
- Flexibility: ASA may modify fence rules where ASA is required (§ 4.20.050(A)(4)); taller fences/hedges can be considered through design review (§ 4.20.050(A)(5)).
- In “-d” and “-sr” overlays, fences are subject to design review (§ 4.20.050(A)(6)).
Process notes
- Very low or “open” fences are often exempt from design review: fences ≤ 3 ft and open fences with ≤ 25% solid area (and meeting § 4.20.050 heights) are DR-exempt (§ 5.50.050(F)–(G)).
- For broader zoning context, see Santa Clara County Zoning and Development Standards.

Rural Districts — A, AR, HS, RR, RS, and A1 outside urban service areas

What counts most: generous front-of-lot fence allowances, driveway visibility, and DR hooks.
Key standards
- Within 20 ft of street ROW: fences or hedges ≤ 6 ft tall (§ 4.20.050(B)(1)).
- Driveways: within a defined 20-ft by 20-ft visibility triangle at driveway/road, fences ≤ 3 ft, unless design review approves otherwise (§ 4.20.050(B)(2)).
- Elsewhere: fences ≤ 8 ft (no cap for hedges) (§ 4.20.050(B)(3)).
- ASA/design review flexibility and “-d”/“-sr” applicability mirror the urban districts (§ 4.20.050(B)(4)–(6)).
Overlays
- The “-d” Santa Clara Valley Viewshed combining district imposes design review and hillside visibility standards that directly consider landscaping for visual mitigation (§ 3.20.040; § 5.50.020).
- The “-sr” Scenic Roads combining district pulls projects within 100 ft of designated scenic roads into design review, where landscaping is a key topic (§ 5.50.020(B)).

Industrial Districts — ML (Light Industrial) and MH (Heavy Industrial)

What counts most: landscaped yard strips and screening of storage and loading near residential.
Key standards
- Required yards must be maintained as landscaped planting strips (except access and parking) (§ 2.40.040(A)).
- Outdoor storage areas must be “suitably screened” by a wall, dense evergreen hedge/trees or other screen planting, or fence; stored materials may not project above the screen (§ 2.40.040(B)).
- Buffers to nearby residential: the Zoning Administrator may increase setbacks for ML/MH next to or across from R1/R2/R3; off-street loading has minimum residential separation distances (§ 2.40.040(C)–(D)).
Entitlements
- Many ML/MH projects will require design review or architecture and site approval, which include landscaping findings (§§ 5.50.040; 5.40.040(C)).

Historic Preservation Combining District — “-h1” (New Almaden)

What counts most: strong conservation of existing trees/shrubs and compatible planting.
Key standards
- The County emphasizes conserving existing trees/shrubs and blending new landscaping with the area’s historic and natural character (New Almaden standards; see also DR scope at § 5.50.040).
- Tree protection is stricter here: in “-h1”, any tree ≥ 6 inches diameter at 4.5 ft above grade is a protected tree; removal generally requires a County permit (§ C16-3(b)).
Process
- Landscaping/tree retention can be conditioned through design review; submittals may need tree inventories and photos when discretionary review applies (New Almaden standards excerpts). Verify with the jurisdiction.

Special purpose — RS (Roadside Services)

What counts most: safeguarding roadside scenic character with materials, site planning, and landscaping.
Key standard
- The RS district purpose statement requires that “scenic amenities shall be enhanced” by construction materials, landscaping, and site planning so scenic value isn’t compromised (§ 2.50.010(B)).
Specific numeric landscaping standards were not found in retrieved materials. Not found in retrieved materials.

Use-specific screening triggers you might not expect

Multi-family and nonresidential: trash enclosures must be in side/rear yards when feasible, screened on three sides by a ≥ 6 ft masonry or wood wall, hidden from public ROW, and accessible for collection (§ 4.20.100).
Emergency shelters: must provide an outdoor area screened from off-site view with a ≥ 6 ft solid fence or wall; refuse enclosures require ≥ 5 ft masonry or concrete walls with gated access (§ 4.10.115(E)(3), (G)).

Decision-focused table: everyday landscaping and screening standards

Topic	Unincorporated standard	Where it applies	Code Reference
Front-yard fence/hedge height	≤ 3 ft within the front 20 ft of lot depth	Urban residential: R1, R1E, R2, R1S, RHS; A1 inside urban service areas	§ 4.20.050(A)(1)
Side/rear fence height	≤ 8 ft (hedges not capped)	Same as above	§ 4.20.050(A)(2)
Corner-lot visibility	3 ft max within prescribed sight triangles	Same as above	§ 4.20.050(A)(3)
Rural front-of-lot fence/hedge	≤ 6 ft within 20 ft of road ROW	A, AR, HS, RR, RS; A1 outside urban service areas	§ 4.20.050(B)(1)
Rural driveway triangle	3 ft max within 20×20 ft visibility triangle	Same as above	§ 4.20.050(B)(2)
Industrial yards	Required yards must be landscaped planting strips	ML, MH	§ 2.40.040(A)
Outdoor storage screening	Screen with wall, dense evergreen hedge/trees, screen planting, or fence; no materials above screen	ML, MH	§ 2.40.040(B)
Trash enclosures	Locate in side/rear; 3-sided screening with ≥ 6 ft solid wall; not visible from ROW; collection access	Multi-family and nonresidential	§ 4.20.100(D)
Shelter outdoor area screen	≥ 6 ft solid fence/wall; plus refuse enclosure ≥ 5 ft masonry/concrete	Emergency shelters	§ 4.10.115(E)(3), (G)
DR-exempt small/open fences	Fences ≤ 3 ft; “open” fences ≤ 25% solid area if meeting § 4.20.050 heights	Where DR otherwise applies	§ 5.50.050(F)–(G)

How design review and ASA shape landscaping outcomes

Design Review applies in the “-d” and “-h” overlays and near scenic roads, and may be required as a condition of approval. Landscape removal and new planting are within the review scope, including mitigation of visual impacts and compatibility with the natural setting (§§ 5.50.020–5.50.040).
ASA is common with commercial/industrial/multi-family and requires findings on landscaping appearance and its continued maintenance (§ 5.40.040(C)).

Tree preservation and its effect on landscaping plans

Protected trees: on certain parcels/zones, removal of protected trees requires a County permit. Triggers include:
- 37.7-inch circumference (12-inch diameter) trees in: HS parcels ≤ 3 acres, “-d” combining districts, and the Los Gatos Hillside Specific Plan area (§ C16-3(a)).
- In “-h1” New Almaden, trees at just 6-inch diameter are protected (§ C16-3(b)).
- Any tree required by a past land-use approval must be retained or replaced consistent with those conditions (§ C16-3(e)).
Design and submittals: where discretionary review applies in “-h1,” applications may need tree inventories, preservation, and native/period-appropriate species guidance. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Related grading/erosion provisions that add planting requirements

When grading creates slopes, planting may be mandated:
- Slopes over 15 ft vertical height must be planted with shrubs at max 10-ft spacing or trees at 20-ft spacing (or equivalent combo) (Sec. C12-575).
- Planting must be completed within 90 days of grading completion where required (Sec. C12-576). These are part of the County’s grading rules, not the state California Building Standards Code.

Checklist

Identify your base district and any combining/overlay districts (“-d”, “-sr”, “-h”) on the parcel map; then confirm which standards from § 4.20.050 and § 2.40.040 apply.
For residential fences/hedges, design to the 3 ft front-yard cap (urban) or 6 ft by road (rural), and respect sight triangles at corners and driveways (§ 4.20.050).
For ML/MH sites, show landscaped planting strips in all required yards and specify compliant screens for any outdoor storage (§ 2.40.040(A)–(B)).
Provide trash enclosure details: side/rear location where feasible, 3-sided solid walls ≥ 6 ft, screened from ROW, and truck access (§ 4.20.100).
If proposing an emergency shelter, include the ≥ 6 ft solid screen for outdoor areas and the ≥ 5 ft refuse enclosure (§ 4.10.115(E)(3), (G)).
Check tree-preservation triggers (C16): protected sizes vary by area; integrate retention or permitted removal/replacement (§ C16-3).
If in “-d”, “-sr” or “-h” areas, plan for design review; if commercial/industrial/multi-family, expect ASA with landscaping findings (§§ 5.50.020–5.50.040; § 5.40.040(C)).
For graded slopes, factor in required planting densities and timing if the grading rules apply (Secs. C12-575–576).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Hedges vs. fences in residential zones	Hedges can exceed 3 ft outside the front 20 ft, but sight triangles still apply; enforcement focuses on visibility and location	Field-measure front 20 ft and sight triangles per § 4.20.050 and County sight-clearance standards (B17-69)
“Open fence” definition and DR exemptions	Open fences ≤ 25% solid may be DR-exempt, but must still meet § 4.20.050 height/location	Confirm fence openness and heights; cite § 5.50.050(G) and § 4.20.050
Outdoor storage screens in ML/MH	“Suitably screened” gives multiple options; materials may affect durability and maintenance	Specify the screen type in plans; ensure stored materials won’t project above the screen (§ 2.40.040(B))
Trash enclosure placement	Placing in front yards can violate visibility requirements; accessibility is mandatory	Site in side/rear where feasible; show truck turning/access and wall heights (§ 4.20.100)
Tree protection in overlays	Protected-tree sizes change by district; unlawful removal can trigger penalties and replacement	Check whether “-d”, “-h1”, or HS rules apply; confirm protected sizes in § C16-3 and any prior conditions of approval
Scenic/Viewshed overlays	Landscaping may be conditioned to mitigate visual impacts	If in “-d”/near scenic roads, plan for design review and landscape mitigation (§ 5.50.020, § 5.50.040)

Plain-English Summary

For unincorporated properties, plan low front-yard fences, taller side/rear yard fences where allowed, and landscaped strips and solid screens where industrial uses store materials. Expect to screen trash enclosures and certain outdoor areas with solid walls/fences. In hillside and historic overlays, design review can require tree preservation and native, visually compatible planting. If you’re next to scenic roads or within special overlay districts, your landscaping will be reviewed to avoid visual impacts.

Source References

§ 4.20.050 Fences (urban residential and rural districts), modifications, and overlay triggers for DR — Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance.
§ 2.40.040(A)–(D) ML/MH landscaping and outdoor-storage screening; adjacency buffers — Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance.
§ 4.20.100 Refuse storage in multi-family and nonresidential — Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance.
§ 4.10.115(E)(3), (G) Emergency shelters: outdoor area screening and refuse enclosures — Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance.
§§ 5.50.020–5.50.050 Design review applicability, scope, and exemptions for low/open fences — Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance.
§ 5.40.040(C) ASA findings on landscaping appearance/maintenance — Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance.
§ 2.50.010(B) RS purpose referencing landscaping for scenic protection — Santa Clara County Zoning Ordinance.
§ C16-3 Tree Preservation and Removal: protected-tree thresholds (general, “-d”, HS, Los Gatos SPA, and “-h1”) — County Ordinance Code.
Secs. C12-575–C12-576 Planting of slopes after grading — County Ordinance Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Santa Clara County Zoning Code (§ 10) High relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (§ 5.50.020.) High relevance
CFC § 5 (§ 5) High relevance
CBC § 2.50.040 (§ 2.50.040) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code High relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code High relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (Chapter 4.30) Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (CHAPTER 5.40.) Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (Section C12-311.1) Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (§ 4.10.115.) Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (Section C16-2) Medium relevance
CBC § 4.50.020 (§ 4.50.020) Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (Chapter 3.75) Medium relevance
Santa Clara County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Santa Clara County code library

Frequently asked questions

Do Santa Clara County’s fence height limits apply to hedges, too?

Yes, in unincorporated urban residential districts, hedges are capped at 3 ft within the front 20 ft from the front lot line, just like fences; elsewhere on the lot, the 8 ft cap applies to fences, while hedges are not capped except in visibility triangles (§ 4.20.050(A)(1)–(3)).

I’m adding outdoor storage to an ML-zoned site—how must I screen it?

Outdoor storage must be “suitably screened” from adjoining property by a wall, dense evergreen hedge/trees, other screen planting, or a fence; stored materials may not project above the screen (§ 2.40.040(B)).

Are trash enclosures required to be walled, and how high?

For multi-family and nonresidential developments, trash enclosures must be located in side/rear yards where feasible, screened on three sides by a solid masonry or wood wall at least 6 ft tall, not visible from public rights-of-way, and accessible to collection trucks (§ 4.20.100).

When does design review look at my landscaping?

Design review is required in “-d” and “-sr” combining districts and can be imposed by condition; the review expressly covers visual impact mitigation for structures, grading, vegetation removal, and landscaping (§§ 5.50.020–5.50.040).

What landscaping is required in industrial yards?

In ML and MH, all required yards must be maintained as landscaped planting strips, except where used for access and parking (§ 2.40.040(A)).

Are there special tree or landscape rules in New Almaden (“-h1”)?

Yes. Beyond design review focusing on compatibility and visual impact, trees as small as 6-inch diameter are “protected” and generally require permits for removal (§ C16-3(b)). Landscaping should conserve existing trees/shrubs and blend with the historic setting (New Almaden standards; verify submittal needs) (§ 5.50.040; New Almaden standards excerpts).

Can I get flexibility on fence heights?

Possibly. If your use requires Architecture & Site Approval, fence rules may be modified through ASA (§ 4.20.050(A)(4), (B)(4)). Otherwise, taller fences can be considered via design review if justified (§ 4.20.050(A)(5), (B)(5)).

Does grading trigger any landscaping obligations?

Yes. Where the grading ordinance applies, slopes over 15 ft vertical height must be planted to specified densities, and planting must be installed within 90 days of grading completion (Secs. C12-575–C12-576).

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